Minister Assures Of Evaluation of Healthcare Data In Nigeria ..... Says Joint Annual Review will mark a significant step in the reshaping and advancement of the healthcare sector

Prof Muhammad Ali Pate 
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare 

"The Joint Annual Review, which was initiated almost a year ago, is part of a broader compact, signed between the Federal and State Governments, endorsed by President Tinubu, and supported by development partners”. Pate 

A Joint Annual Review (JAR), is billed to hold in Abuja, the Nigeria capital in the next couple of days wherein, stakeholders of the health sector will have the opportunity of engaging with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This was the disclosure of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate at a Press briefing on Thursday, 31st October at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Health.

The purpose of the briefing was to educate and discuss the aim and objectives of the Joint Annual Review, JAR, which would mark a significant step in the reshaping and advancement of the healthcare sector.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate in his address at the briefing, stated that the event promises to provide the opportunity for the media and stakeholders to evaluate Nigeria’s progress and define the next steps toward a more responsive, efficient, and equitable health system.

According to him, "the Joint Annual Review, which was initiated almost a year ago, is part of a broader compact, signed between the Federal and State Governments, endorsed by President Tinubu, and supported by development partners”.

He stated, that the agreement seeks to address fundamental health challenges by establishing a unified approach that prioritizes data, accountability, and citizens voices in healthcare decisions.

He stated further, that the Joint Annual Review would examine multiple metrics, including insights from the recently concluded People’s Perception Survey, which collected feedback from over 2,600 Nigerians on their healthcare experiences.

“The survey revealed that citizens are increasingly rating primary and tertiary healthcare positively, though concerns persist around secondary care. Further data from the 2023 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) will serve as a baseline for monitoring progress in areas like maternal health, child mortality, and infectious diseases. Findings show that targeted interventions are needed, especially in the 172 local government areas that account for over half of Nigeria’s maternal mortality, a priority area for immediate action.” Prof Pate stated

According to him, beyond metrics, the Joint Annual Review will facilitate a dialogue between health officials, development partners, and state representatives, focusing on sustainable, localized interventions.

“This review isn’t about assigning blame; it’s a collaborative moment to measure what works, identify gaps, and co-create solutions with citizens.” He stated

Speaking further, he said that the insights from the JAR will inform the annual State of Health Report, which will be presented to the National Council on Health and made available to the public.

“With transparency and shared responsibility at its core, the JAR symbolizes our commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening our healthcare system,” the Minister stated.